TICKING TIME BOMB

However, Mr Browne also alluded to the splits between those who want a "sovereignty-inspired freedom" after we quit, and those who want to "maintain some alignment" with the bloc for the sake of business.

Mr Browne's words come just a week after cabinet members admitted they were opposed over what path to take towards Brexit.

He wrote in a letter to the Lords Committee of his concerns that Brussels is not offering Brits living abroad the right to vote in EU elections, or to live and work in other countries at the time of Brexit.

The Brexit secretary claimed Britain was willing to offer the guarantee for EU citizens, and that Michel Barnier and his EU team should follow suit.